MS Dhoni only Indian and cricketer to feature in Forbes' list of top 100 highest paid athletes

Dhoni, who is on the 22nd spot in the list has total earnings of USD 30 million.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only Indian and cricketer who was listed in the top 100 highest paid athletes’ list announced by Forbes on Thursday. Dhoni, who is on the 22nd spot in the list has total earnings of USD 30 million and endorsements worth USD 26 million. His salary and winnings total USD four million as of June 2014, Forbes said.

The list is headed by boxer Floyd Mayweather, and includes sportspersons from various sports such as Golf, Tennis, Football, Racing and few more.

In March this year, Dhoni emerged as the highest individual tax payer in the Bihar and Jharkhand region. He paid Rs 20 crore income tax in 2013-14 to retain the position, PTI reported.

Dhoni surpassed his deputy Virat Kohli as the nation’s most expensive cricketer in April this year, as his endorsement fees touched a whopping Rs 13 crore. According to Hindustan Times, the Indian skipper’s brand value surged by almost 60 per cent in the last four months. It must be noted that Dhoni-led Indian team haven’t had much success in this span. Apart from them qualifying for the final of the ICC World T20 2014, Team India has not been doing well.

Till 2013, Dhoni was charging Rs 8 crores per annum per deal. But Kohli overtook him with a Rs 10 crores-deal with Adidas. Dhoni, with the current development, is now only next to Bollywood superstarAamir Khan, who charges Rs 15 crores per agreement. At present, Dhoni endorses 21 brands.

First Published on June 12, 2014 6:38 PM ISTLast updated on June 13, 2014 12:24 PM IST